Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Saturday, June 6, 1981
Age: 57
Tour of Duty: 34 years
Badge Number: 103
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 6, 1981
Weapon Used: Handgun; .380 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
First Deputy Superindentent James J. Riordan was shot and killed when he confronted an intoxicated person creating a disturbance at 300 North State Street.
Deputy Superindentent Riordan was attending a dinner at a restaurant in Marina City when the incident occurred. As he confronted the intoxicated man the offender produced a .380 caliber handgun and shot him in the chest several times.
The gunman, who had formerly been a police officer in Iowa, was arrested and convicted of Superintendent Riordan's murder. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Deputy Superintendent Riordan had served with the Chicago Police Department for 34 years. He was survived by his wife and seven children. Five of his children went on to serve in law enforcement.